South Side Dance Team Scrambles to Raise $12,000 for Competition After Losing Practice Space

Team Kicked Out of Studio Just Weeks Before Big Competition

Just weeks before their big competition in Atlanta, a South Side dance team was suddenly kicked out of their studio, leaving them with only one week to raise $12,000 to cover expenses.

The dancers and coaches at the EmpIIre Dance Institute have spent months preparing for the Warzone Hip-Hop and Majorette dance competition, which is taking place in Atlanta on March 16. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, they were forced to vacate their studio in Roseland, leaving them without a space to practice.

Team Rallies to Raise Funds

To make up for the lost time, the team has been holding emergency fundraising efforts to cover the costs of a new practice space, which has set them back $12,000. According to team president Teneshia Jackson, the team has already held numerous fundraising events, but still fell short of their goal.

“We’ve done so many things to fundraise, and we just came up short,” said Jackson. “We don’t want to disappoint these babies and tell them that they’ve been practicing in the cold, in the dark, and won’t be able to go.”

Team’s Goal: Win Third Consecutive First-Place Trophy

For 12-year-old Prosperity Swarn, winning the first-place trophy would be “everything.” “It’ll be my first time really doing a serious competition, and it’s everything we’ve worked for,” said Prosperity. “We’ve been working so hard.”

The team are two-time reigning champions at Warzone, having won first place in 2023 and 2024. Next weekend, they hope to bring home a third first-place trophy.

Philanthropist Calls on Community to Help

Philanthropist Early Walker donated $1,000 and called on community members to help the team reach their goal. “There are not enough resources that are coming to our communities, and these kids are not getting the resources that they need,” Walker said at a press conference Thursday. “But I am urging other business owners or individuals to donate what they can because these kids are part of our community.”

Team’s History and Mission

Founded in 2001 by CEO and founder Latisha Waters, the EmpIIre Dance Institute has grown to over 100 dancers and has won dozens of competitions. However, winning trophies isn’t everything, according to Waters. Dance helps teach dancers self-esteem, confidence, and discipline – skills that are needed to succeed in life.

Many of Waters’ students who’ve graduated from the program are still a part of the team, with some now serving as instructors, board members, or parents of current dancers. “We’re more of a family than just a regular dance company,” said Waters.

But aside from giving them a space to express their love for dance, the team also provides a safe haven for dancers. “Dance is keeping them off the streets. It’s giving them something positive to look forward to,” said Jackson. “We want them to know that when we work hard, good things happen.”

Conclusion

The EmpIIre Dance Institute is in a race against time to raise $12,000 to cover the costs of their new practice space. The team has been working tirelessly to prepare for the Warzone Hip-Hop and Majorette dance competition, and they are confident that with the community’s support, they can achieve their goal.

FAQs

* How much does the team need to raise to cover the costs of their new practice space?
+ $12,000
* What is the team’s goal for the Warzone Hip-Hop and Majorette dance competition?
+ To win their third consecutive first-place trophy
* How many dancers are part of the EmpIIre Dance Institute?
+ Over 100
* What is the team’s mission?
+ To provide a safe haven for dancers and teach them self-esteem, confidence, and discipline